Dragonfiles by Pieter van Dokkum (Yale University Press, March 2015) is a gorgeous coffee table book about dragonflies. I admit, that, since I am not a scientific person, I wondered about this book. I have never once thought about dragonflies nor wondered how they develop, live, and eat. However, the gorgeous image on the cover with promises of more drew me in to the book. The text is not overbearing, and the photographs kept me turning pages.
Even without a science background or even a scientific interest in these insects, I really enjoyed reading the text and viewing the impressive images. The text and images followed a clear progression. Chapters discussed in brief dragonfly beginnings, body parts, reproduction, and hunting and flying habits, as well as a few varieties of dragronflies and what makes them special. Although a true researcher seeking scientific details may be disappointed with the brevity, for me and for others interested in this book as a coffee table book, it really hits the spot. Well done!
Note: I received a digital edition of the book from the publisher for review consideration.